A Portside duffel bag lets you travel in style

One of the reasons that I started sewing was because I didn't want to dress exactly like anyone else. I feared showing up to a party or event and seeing someone wearing the same Forever 21/Express/H&M outfit. I love how sewing your own clothes can express your individuality and creativity. But why stop at clothing? Why not sew your own accessories too?

In comes the Portside duffel bag by Grainline. Jen designed a seriously cute and functional bag pattern that is perfect for a weekend getaway or a plane carryon. The pattern is designed with an advanced beginner in mind, but with a little patience I think anyone can tackle this pattern. I'm usually the queen of a million questions, but I was able to sew this bag no problem and with no confusion.

Another perk about the pattern is that it doesn't use crazy fancy hardware that is hard to source. Other than fabric, interfacing, and webbing the only things you will need are D-Rings and the swivel bolt snaps/hooks. My local fabric shop doesn't carry the most extensive selection of hardware and I could find everything I needed for this project easily.

I used a lightweight canvas for the leopard print portion of the bag (you might recognize it from my hoodie) and a twill for the pink part. The Twenties quilting cotton was hard to pass up, so I used that as a fun surprise as the lining. How can you look at it and not smile? See -----> :)

When I make another version (apparently I am making one for my husband, he told me so) I might use stiffer fabrics to hold the bags shape or use interfacing on the exterior pieces. My fabric choices work fine when the bag is stuffed full, but the bag doesn't look as great when it is empty. Pockets on the inside would also be a good addition.

The outside pockets are perfect for carrying books!

My bag has now been to three countries (United States, England, and France) and has been on trains (or the "tube," as the English say) and planes, so I feel confident in saying that it is my traveling sidekick. I don't want to leave home without it!

Shout out to LAX for the photo shoot location. Thanks, dudes. Taking photos is a great way to waste time during a four hour layover.

18 comments
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Love the lining fabric! I would love to make this with black on the bottom and a snow leopard print on the top - would be amazing! Thanks for the new discovery :) This needs to be added to my list of things to make!

Yay! I was thinking about this bag pattern the other day when I was planning what I should bring to the hospital for delivery, but I just don't think I'll have the time to make it up and make it up well. But, I'm so glad to see it here - and in such cute fabrics! I wonder if you could count this bag for Jungle January?! :)

This is SO cute! I love the fabrics you chose-- absolutely adorable! I realllllly want to make this bag, but I'd have to sew it on the sly... I've been forbidden to add any more bags to my collection! (They're my weakness-- I loooooove shoulder bags/travel bags/duffel bags/tote bags/ANY AND ALL BAGS).

That bag is adorable! I love how you paired a print and a solid, and a fun lining. You can smile at it inside and out! And now how great that you can think of your amazing trip when you see it, too. (I don't know about you, but I know at least my mind works that way.) :)

I made one of these for my Dad for Christmas (http://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/grainline-portside-duffle-bag.html) - I loved the pattern but it took a lot of willpower to buy Dad-appropriate fabric instead of all the pretty things that I like! I love your version - it's definitely made me think I might need to make another version for me!

I love this bag, Erin!! It's so YOU (awesome. clearly.). I bet you got a ton of compliments while carrying it. I love that there's no insane hardware needed to put it together. I reaaaallllllllyy want to make one now after seeing yours!

About Me

Hi! I'm Erin Fosmire and I like reading, sewing leopard print stuff, beach walking, quilting, and knitting in Pismo Beach, California. I'm currently life sidekicking with my husband Luke and living with our three cats and three dogs.